Magna man kidnaps teen girl with autism, police say

MAGNA, Utah (ABC4) — A Magna man was charged on Thursday, accused of kidnapping a teen girl with autism and attempting to have her take her clothes off, according to Unified Police.

John Maez, 41, is charged in Salt Lake County with kidnapping (second-degree felony).

On Sept. 4, 2024, a Unified Police officer responded to a home in Salt Lake County on a report that a child had not returned home from school. The caller told police that his 14-year-old stepdaughter, who is autistic and functions at a 10-year-old level, had not returned from school.

He also told police it was unclear whether she had attended school that day in the first place. Police issued an ATL (Attempt to Locate) and BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the missing girl.

Police then found the girl, who had stated that she had “gotten a job babysitting to make money to buy food,” according to a probable cause statement. She told police that she had been walking when a man, later identified as Maez, pulled up in his truck and asked her if she wanted to make some money.

She allegedly agreed and Maez took her to his home. The teen girl told police she ate some food, watched a movie, and drank alcohol while at Maez’ residence. She also said Maez asked her to take her clothing off, but she declined.

Maez reportedly admitted to seeing the girl walking down the street and inviting her to his residence to babysit for money. He also confirmed that she had eaten food and watched a movie at his home. He said he picked her up around noon and were at his residence until around 3 p.m.

A warrant for the purpose of bringing Maez before court for the first appearance hearing has been issued in the amount of $5,000.

No further information is available at this time.